Colchester United were beaten at home by Stevenage

The charismatic Scot claimed his first win as boss of relegation-threatened Boro, after goals from Jamie Reid and Luke Norris saw off the U's and duly boosted the visitors' League Two survival hopes.

Evans said: "I love coming here.

"I've got relatives that are close that are Colchester United fans.

"They're not here this week, because they've got kids at Center Parcs - but I hope that ruins your weekend!

"This is a good Colchester side. I thought they could have been in trouble when I saw them in November and December but they have turned it around brilliantly."

Colchester started the game well at the JobServe Community Stadium, creating several good chances.

But Stevenage warmed to the task after that, with Reid giving them the lead deep into time added on in the first half and former U's striker Norris then doubling that advantage, shortly after half-time.

“I don’t think we started the game particularly well," said Evans, who has taken charge of three Stevenage games so far having taken charge last month.

"In our situation, confidence plays a big part.

"Had we got our rightful rewards last week (against Oldham), we'd have come here a bit more confident.

"At the start of the game, we were mis-placing a few of the passes and that's nerves.

“Colchester started the game better than us and it took us ten to 15 minutes to get a grip in midfield but then after that up until half-time, it was a period of attack against defence.

“I’m not sure who got the final touch, for our first goal.

“Jake Taylor is saying it was Jake Taylor, Jamie Reid is saying it was Jamie Reid and I’ll probably go home tonight, have a glass of wine and tell my missus she scored!

“We got an early goal at the start of the second half which was down to sloppy defending, which gave us the incentive to go on.

“And then I think you have to be strong and disciplined and work hard and show endeavour.

“We’ve achieved nothing; we’ve won the game but we need to refresh the boys and get ready for Rochdale.

"The boys are tired to a man; they're a fit group.

"They've worked hard since we've come in on certain situations and some variations of set plays.

"They are a fit group and we have worked with them on certain situations, some variations on set plays which hurt Colchester and we should have done better from them.

"But we’ll get back on the training ground and get prepared for Friday."

The only real downside to the afternoon for Stevenage was the late dismissal of Norris, who was sent off after picking up two second-half cautions.

"The disappointing part of the day is Luke [Norris] goes and gets two yellows," said former Leeds United and Rotherham United boss Evans.

"I have no complaints about that, they were two yellows, but our intention was not to play him next week anyway."

Stevenage were backed by nearly 300 of their fans who made the short trip to Essex from Hertfordshire, much to Evans' delight.

Evans said: "I thought the fans were brilliant today.

"They were a little bit apprehensive as you could see at the start. "Colchester started better than us and then after the 20-minute mark, I think it was missed opportunities a bit like last week.

"They're probably think we need to just put one in the net and see where we go.

"It was brilliant for Luke to score in front of them and we're trying to get more of a connection with the supporters, both home and away."